São Tomé and Príncipe Travel Status

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Travel to São Tomé and Príncipe is operating normally overall. However, travellers should be aware of very limited medical and emergency services, which are the reason for the current U.S. Level 2 travel advisory.

Ordinary travel continues

There is no significant current nationwide shutdown affecting tourism, international aviation or entry into São Tomé and Príncipe.

Limited medical care

Medical facilities are very limited. Serious illnesses and injuries may require evacuation to another country for treatment.

Emergency services

Adequate trauma and ambulance services are limited. Travellers should have insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation.

U.S. Level 2 advisory

The U.S. State Department currently advises travellers to exercise increased caution because of health risks and the country’s limited medical infrastructure.

Security situation improved

The U.S. removed the previous unrest risk indicator in September 2026 and lowered its advisory from Level 3 to Level 2.

Canada rates security normally

Current Canadian guidance recommends normal security precautions in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Crime

The overall crime rate is relatively low, although burglary, pickpocketing and armed robbery can occur. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or valuables.

Entry requirements

Visa requirements depend on nationality and intended length of stay. Some nationalities can visit for short periods without obtaining a visa in advance.

Entry fee

Travellers may be required to pay an entry fee on arrival. Check the current amount and accepted payment methods before travelling.

Yellow fever

A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required, particularly for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever transmission is a risk.

Flights to Príncipe

Domestic flights between São Tomé and Príncipe are limited. Travellers planning to visit Príncipe should confirm their flight arrangements before departure.

Limited tourism infrastructure

Tourism and transport infrastructure is relatively limited. Accommodation and flights should be booked well in advance, particularly when travelling to Príncipe.

Cash

São Tomé and Príncipe remains largely a cash-based economy. Credit cards are not widely accepted and ATMs are limited.

U.S. advisory lowered

On 4 September 2026, the U.S. State Department lowered its São Tomé and Príncipe travel advisory from Level 3 to Level 2.

Unrest warning removed

The September update removed unrest as a risk indicator. The current U.S. advisory is based on health risks and limited medical services.

U.S. government travel restriction removed

As of 12 August 2026, U.S. government employees working for the U.S. Mission to Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe no longer require special permission to travel to the country because of safety risks.

Canada recommends normal precautions

Canadian guidance updated on 24 September 2026 continues to recommend normal security precautions in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Normal entry procedures

No significant current nationwide immigration or border disruption affecting ordinary visitors has been identified.

Check your airline and individual flight before departure because international air connections are relatively limited.

Confirm the passport and visa requirements applying to your nationality.

Check whether you need proof of yellow fever vaccination based on your nationality and recent travel history.

Purchase travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation because local medical facilities are limited.

If travelling onward to Príncipe, confirm your domestic flight separately before beginning your journey.

Carry sufficient access to cash because international credit cards and ATMs are not widely available.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.